Fenerbahce coach Kartal unexpectedly announces resignation after draw with Roma

Fenerbahce head coach Ismail Kartal announced he was leaving his position just minutes after the Turkish club's opening Champions League match of the season, a 1-1 draw against Italy's Roma that was considered a satisfactory result for the team. The announcement came as such a surprise that reporters had to ask the club's own players about it during post-match mixed-zone interviews, suggesting the squad had not been informed in advance.

The 65-year-old Kartal has a long history with Fenerbahce, having previously served the club as a player and as an assistant coach. His current spell was his fourth time serving as head coach, and this time he had held the position for three months. Announcing his departure, Kartal said the decision was made to open the way for the club's future development and described it as a choice made together with the team. He thanked the players and said he was leaving with no intention of ever returning to the role.

League standing

In the Turkish Super Lig, Fenerbahce currently sits in ninth place after four rounds, with two wins and two losses.

Club president rejects resignation

Club president Aziz Yildirim said he was not willing to accept Kartal's resignation. According to Yildirim, the coach cited heavy external pressure as well as an incident during the match in which a bottle was thrown at him from the stands. The club later said the person responsible for throwing the bottle had been identified and would be banned from returning to the stadium.